How to Embroider With Beads Using the Running Back Stitch

Have you ever seen an exquisite bead embroidered necklace, brooch, or anything covered in beads and wondered how anyone could possibly make such a lovely item? Well, this article will give you the basic stitch that is the backbone of bead embroidery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A variety of seed beads
• Beading needles, size #10, #11, or #12.
• Strong nylon beading thread such as Nymo, size 0 or 00
• moderate to heavy fabric
• embroidery hoop
• a design drawing

1. 
    
   The basic thread path of the running back stitch

   Bead embroidery is a simple hand method to add embellishment to any fabric. This lesson with explain how to work with seed beads, because they give the most painterly results. Any size or shape of beads can be used on fabric using the running back stitch. Generally, when large beads are added, seed beads are used to surround them, to complete the pattern or design.
   The running back stitch is the basic stitch used to add beads to fabric. This stitch can be used to add just a few beads, or to cover an entire area with an elaborate design of beads.

2. Begin by placing the design portion of the fabric inside an embroidery hoop, which holds the material taught.

3. Knot your thread and sewing up at the place where you want your beads to begin.

4. 
    

   Pull the thread through all the way and pick up 2 or 3 seed beads. Push the beads down to the fabric and hold the thread in the direction you wish the beads to lay according to your pattern. Generally, you will begin by outlining a shape.

5. Place the needle at the end of the third bead and sew straight down through the fabric.

6. Pull the thread so that the beads lie flat on the fabric, along the line of the pattern.

7. 
    

   Now bring the needle back up through the fabric between the last and next to last beads.

8. 
    

   Sew through the last bead and pick up 2 or 3 more beads. Repeat steps 3 through 6.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the pattern each time you add new beads. It is essential that you lay the thread in the direction you want the beads to follow and then put the needle straight down at the end of the line of beads. This gives you the ability to follow curves.
• Any picture or drawing can be used as a pattern. A washable marker designed for fabric will be very useful. You may freehand the pattern or use any pattern that does not have a copyright.
• You can pick up more than three beads at a time if you are working to fill a fairly large area and will work row upon row right beside each other, but for the most part and for any curved area, I recommend only three beads. This will give you the best coverage.
• Beading needles are essential, because they are slim enough to go through the seed beads. I recommend size 12.
• Always have your fabric held taught with an embroidery hoop. This is essential to the fabric lying flat after you have finished.
• Beading needles are very sharp, use them carefully and try not to drop them.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 5/11/2009 Thank you for the amazing craft project. I've never embroidered with beads before but I'd love to try. Your article makes it sound doable. 5*

[eye4art]

on 4/23/2009 This article is so well written and has encouraged me to get started creating amazing art pices! Thank you Susan.

[kkemp]

on 12/29/2008 Great article!

[01Bri-Guy]

on 12/28/2008 I've always tried to work on my sewing skills, but somehow it still ends up looking like Frankenstein. 5*

[SusanYEngland]

on 12/27/2008 This is the basic on how to do the stitch. I will soon have another article on how to finish off a piece of jewelry. Thanks